How to cope in Hot Weather

How to cope in Hot Weather?

Why is a heatwave a problem?

The main risks posed by a heatwave are: 

• not drinking enough water (dehydration) 
• overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
• heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Dehydration

Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it’s not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem.

Check if you’re dehydrated

Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:

• feeling thirsty
• dark yellow and strong-smelling pee
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• feeling tired
• a dry mouth, lips and eyes
• peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day

Dehydration can happen more easily if you have:

• diabetes
• vomiting or diarrhoea
• been in the sun too long (heatstroke)
• drunk too much alcohol
• sweated too much after exercising
• a high temperature of 38C or more
• been taking medicines that make you pee more (diuretics)

How you can reduce the risk of dehydration

Drink fluids when you feel any dehydration symptoms.

If you find it hard to drink because you feel sick or have been sick, start with small sips and then gradually drink more.

You can use a spoon to make it easier for your child to swallow the fluids.

You should drink enough during the day so your pee is a pale clear colour.

Drink when there’s a higher risk of dehydrating. For example, if you’re vomiting, sweating or you have diarrhoea.